Peter Barker: Working Hands

Posted: 22nd October 2018

Manchester-based Peter Barker is a photographer and writer who has spent thirty years living in Beverley. Formerly Town Clerk of Hull, he has also been a diplomat in Iran and Afghanistan, a yoga teacher, French translator and charity worker in Russia.

In the last few years, his photography has been featured in the finals of the UK Craft Photographer of the Year. His work has also been exhibited regularly, including at Brighton Photo Fringe, Hull International Photo Festival,  Bowes Museum and  Retina Scottish International Photofestival.  As well as possessing an MA in Photographic History, his writing has appeared in various publications, including The Guardian and The Independent.

Working Hands is an intriguing series of photographic portraits of long-standing trades and crafts around the East Riding sitting alongside images of newer skills. The contemplative portraits record the tools, skills and concentration in today’s manual production. From bookbinding to sheep shearing, and hat making to dog grooming, The photographs show how hand and mind are linked in skilled work.